Formula 1

Max verstappen handed a £50k fine for touching Lewis Hamilton's rear wing after he seemed to be examining the difference in gap in his rear wing and Lewis's.

Totally separately lewis Hamilton disqualified from qualifying and has to start from the back due to illegal spacing of his rear wing.


Has max basically done the FIA's job for them?

 

Seems very odd that Max would choose that day to touch that part.

Rules are rules though and Hamilton being disqualified was always on the cards. Real shame as it likely now hands the title over to Verstappen and can't see Bottas either having the skill or inclination to play a murky team game.

 

Seems like max or his team suspected something so he checked it out when he got the chance.

I don't think bottas gives a toss about Mercedes or Lewis Hamilton. Glad in a way. If Lewis is as good as people think he is then he shouldn't need help

 

F1 is a farce

 

Touching up someone's rear wing? Sounds like he got away lightly.

 

Boys with toys, eh...

 

I think that's unfair on Valterri to be honest. He went out and got the fastest lap at the last race, for example, in the dying stages. Listen to his recent F1 podcast he's a top bloke and does want the team to do well.

 

I think he's trying but I think he's doing it for himself now not for the team. I don't think he'd sabotage his own race anymore to help the team

 

He had nothing to gain by getting fastest lap though, so I disagree. He was outside the top 10 so he just ensured Max didn't take it and kept Mercedes 1 ahead in constructors.

 

But that didn't sabotage his race did it?

 

He finished lower down the standings because of it, but no not massively. Im sure if he couldn't be arsed to help the team he wouldn't have got fastest lap.

 

Boys with ££££££

 

He's got away well here, and does seem to be a really nice bloke. I think we're guilty of thinking back 20 years ago and the team order might have been to wipe Verstappen out.

 

Phenomenal drive from Lewis there. Seemed like the Lewis of old and very good rescue there. Thought he'd get stuck behind Ricciardo but just kept sailing past them. Well done to VB too.

 

What a sprint race that was, Hamilton outstanding!!

 

Hamilton is different level when he’s got the bit between his teeth. Incredible drive and keeps the championship wide open.

 

Sensational drive from Hamilton that overtake on Norris was different class. Could yet make a bid to win the race if we get a safety car along the way.

 

It is fair to say the technical infringment on LH car and subsequent disqualification was fair under the rules and not an FIA conspiracy against LH/ Mercedes with the intent of ensuring RBR win the title.
On the other hand, any fair minded F1 follower is entitled to question why RBR was not similarly penalised early in the season when the 'flexible' wing was deemed not compliamt with the regs. Indeed, they were allowed to use it for a further 3 races before it was finally banned. It is those inconsistencies in applying the rules and penalties that fuels the conspiracy theories and makes the FIA appear amateurish and lacking impartiality like the old days of 'Ferrari International Assistance' under Mosley's tenancy.

 

He can inspect my DRS differential for 50 grand..

 

And there is why Bottas is leaving Mercedes.